Assistant Professor, Research

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UT Southwestern Medical Center); Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Center for Cellular Therapies and Cancer Immunology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, invites applications for a Research Assistant Professor to advance cellular therapies, cancer immunology, and immune engineering. The successful candidate will lead projects toward first‑in‑human studies and mentor junior scientists and trainees.

Responsibilities include designing and managing innovative research, identifying immunotherapy targets, developing T‑cell engineering approaches,

Qualifications

• PhD/MD or equivalent in immunology, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, or related field.
• At least 3 years postdoctoral or relevant research experience.
• Proven publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Grant writing and successful funding.
• Strong communication and leadership in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage innovative research projects focused on cellular therapies and cancer immunology.
• Identify and characterize novel immunotherapy targets.
• Develop cellular engineering approaches, including T-cell modification and genomic analyses.
• Support preparation of grants, publications, and conference presentations.
• Mentor and supervise graduate students, postdocs, technicians, and junior personnel.
• Collaborate across Center and other institutional departments.
• Contribute to the Center's scientific direction and strategy.

Skills

Immunology expertise

T-cell biology

Cellular therapies

Grant writing

Leadership

Communication

Education

Ph.D., MD, or equivalent degree

Tools

Flow cytometry

Genomic analyses

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

Position Title: Assistant Professor, Research

Department: Center for Cellular Therapies and Cancer Immunology

Institution: UT Southwestern Medical Center

Location: Dallas, Texas

Position Summary

The Center for Cellular Therapies and Cancer Immunology at the University of Texas Southwestern is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Research Assistant Professor to advance our research mission in the cutting‑edge fields of cellular therapies, cancer immunotherapy, and immune engineering. The successful candidate will guide projects towards first‑in‑human studies, support scientific and administrative initiatives, and mentor junior scientists and trainees.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage innovative research projects focused on cellular therapies and cancer immunology.
• Identify and characterize novel immunotherapy targets
• Develop and refine advanced cellular engineering approaches, including T-cell modification, genetic editing, and bioinformatics-driven analyses.
• Support preparation of high-quality research grants, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at national and international scientific conferences.
• Mentor and supervise graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and other junior personnel.
• Collaborate actively with multidisciplinary research teams across the Center and other institutional departments.
• Contribute intellectually and practically to the overall scientific direction and strategy of the Center.

Qualifications

• Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent advanced degree in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of postdoctoral or relevant research experience.
• Proven track record of scientific publications in reputable, peer‑reviewed journals.
• Industry experience is encouraged.
• Demonstrated experience in grant writing and successful acquisition of research funding.
• Expertise in immunology, particularly T-cell biology, cellular therapies, and/or cancer biology.
• Technical skills in immunology techniques, cell culture, flow cytometry, animal models, genomic and proteomic analyses.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience specifically with cancer immunology, drug development, immune cell engineering.
• Background in translational research, clinical trial development, or therapeutic applications.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics tools relevant to immunological data analysis.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter outlining research interests and career goals
• Statement of research accomplishments and future research plans
• Names and contact information of three professional references
• Letters of Recommendation (3)

Review of applications will begin September 1, 2026 and continue until December 31, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

UT Southwestern Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We encourage applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Learn More

• Choi Laboratory website: Choi (Jaehyuk) Lab | UT Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
• Laboratory research overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMnKZ0bko0U
• Dr.Jaehyuk ChoiInfluuent: Jaehyuk Choi - University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Explore the Choi Laboratory’s research, publications, and ongoing programs:

About UT Southwestern

UT Southwestern Medical Center is home to a vibrant and collaborative scientific community, including six Nobel Laureates, and over 80 members of the National Academies. We offer highly competitive startup packages, excellent benefits, and access to state-of-the-art core facilities and GMP infrastructure.

Learn more about UTSW employee benefits

https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources